Can I call the cops on my neighbor for fireworks? See WA, Pierce County rules
For many Washington state residents, the Fourth of July means fireworks.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4.
When and where are you allowed to set off fireworks in Whatcom County? Can you call the cops on your neighbors for breaking the rules?
Here’s what to know:
Which fireworks are illegal in Washington state?
According to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, “federally legal consumer fireworks” in Washington state include:
- Firecrackers
- Sky rockets
- Missiles
“These items are legal to purchase, possess and discharge only at an Indian reservation,” the state agency said.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said illegal explosive devices in Washington state include:
- Bottle rockets
- M-80s
- Improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs
Which fireworks are legal in Washington state?
According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, legal fireworks in Washington state include:
- Cylindrical and cone fountains
- Helicopters and aerial spinners
- Smoke devices
- Roman candles
- Parachutes
- Wheels
- Mines
- Shells
- Ground spinners
- Sparklers
When can I buy Fourth of July fireworks in Washington state?
In Washington state, legal fireworks go on sale for the Independence Day holiday at noon on June 28, according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
On that day, fireworks can be discharged from noon to 11 p.m.
Fireworks can be legally sold and set off from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, the state agency said.
On July 4, you can buy fireworks from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and launch them from 9 a.m. to midnight.
Fireworks sales are allowed on July 5 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and you can legally discharge them from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Washington state also allows fireworks sales and use in late December and early January for New Year’s Eve.
Are fireworks banned in Tacoma? Gig Harbor?
It’s against the law to purchase, possess or discharge any fireworks in Tacoma.
The only exception is for firework displays put on by professionals who’ve obtained the right permits beforehand, McClatchy Media previously reported.
Fireworks are also completely banned in Gig Harbor.
When are fireworks allowed in Pierce County?
Elsewhere in Pierce County, the rules for fireworks vary by municipality.
In Puyallup, fireworks can be launched from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 4.
In Bonney Lake, you can set off fireworks from 9 a.m. to midnight on July 4, according to the city’s municipal code.
Fireworks can only be launched in University Place on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight, according to the city of University Place website.
In Sumner, you can discharge fireworks from noon to midnight on July 4, according to the municipal code.
In unincorporated sections of Pierce County, lighting fireworks is allowed from 10 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on July 4, according to the Pierce County website.
How do I report illegal fireworks use in Tacoma area?
If you catch someone using illegal fireworks in Pierce County, you can file a report online via the Fireworks Complaint Reporting System. The website will be open until Tuesday, July 7, at 5 p.m.
In Tacoma, Sumner and Bonney Lake, you can call the non-emergency line at 253-287-4455 to be connected to various police stations.
The Gig Harbor non-emergency line can be reached at 253-851-2236.
To reach the Pierce County Fire Prevention Bureau, call 253-798-7179.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
What are penalties for breaking fireworks rules?
In Washington state, it’s against the law to “discharge or use fireworks in a reckless manner“ that creates a “substantial risk of death or serious physical injury” for people or property damage, the Revised Code of Washington says.
If you get caught violating a city ordinance in Pierce County, you can be charged a fine of up to $2,500.
Violating the law is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 or up to 90 days in county jail.